subject: Head Lice Prevention Must Begin At Home [print this page] Everyone dreads the news of a head lice infestation. Many families, especially those with small children tend to be more concerned with this problem. While it is hard to stop an infestation entirely, it may be easier to prevent head lice if certain precautions are taken. The first step in head lice prevention is knowing what these insects are and how they are spread.
What are Head Lice?
They are generally described as being insects that are "wingless, blood sucking parasites." This description is fairly accurate. They thrive on the human scalp and drink blood to survive. Most head lice live on the warmer parts of the scalp, behind the ears and nape of the neck. They may be found in the eyebrows as well if the infestation is bad enough.
It is important for everyone to understand that getting infected is not a sign of being unclean. Anyone can get infected regardless of hygiene, age or wealth. It is also just as important to know that despite the most stringent head lice prevention methods, there is no 100 percent surefire way to prevent an infestation.
Head Lice Prevention Methods
Prevention methods go a long way in preventing an infestation. Some head lice prevention measures include:
Education: Teaching children not to share personal items such as combs, hairbrushes and hats is extremely important. We teach our children to share their toys and other items at a young age. Teaching them not to share may be quite difficult.
Cleanliness: Make it a habit to regularly wash items such caps, scarves and other personal items that are used on the head. Clean household items such as linens, pillows, cushions, towels and mats that children play on often.
Hot Water: When washing items, use hot water, about 130 degrees Fahrenheit and add bleach where possible. If it is not possible to dry clean or wash clothes that were worn by someone infected, they can be sealed in a plastic bag. This bag should be kept sealed for at least two weeks.
Head to Head Contact: Children should be encouraged to avoid putting their heads together when playing, but this will be difficult. When children play or share secrets they generally have head-to-head contact. If you know that someone who was infected was using chairs or other such furniture, vacuum the items.
Family Affair: Get all members of the family involved in the educational process. This means not only following the above rules, but also encouraging others in the family to do the same. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of anyone, children may still end up getting lice. For this reason it is important to check the hair of young children often so as to catch any signs of infestation early.
If any lice are found it is a good idea to wash the hair of the affected child or adult. Head lice prevention shampoos and conditioners should also be used for others in the household. When using shampoos or head lice prevention sprays, it is necessary to always follow the instructions given. Using too much of the product will not do any more good than using the recommended amount.
All in all, the most effective prevention method involves getting rid of these pests and their eggs as soon as they are discovered. This will prevent others in the household having to deal with infestation.
